Brazil beats Colombia 2-1 to reach semifinals

Brazil holds off Colombia 2-1 to reach World Cup semifinals for 1st time since 2002

ASSOCIATED PRESS

FORTALEZA, Brazil — Brazil made its way into the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 12 years by beating Colombia 2-1 today, with the goals coming from defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz.

Brazil, which had been eliminated in the quarterfinals at the last two World Cups, will next play Germany on Tuesday.

Silva gave Brazil the lead in the seventh minute, scoring with his left knee after a corner from Neymar. Luiz added the second from a free kick in the 69th, sending a swerving long-range shot into the top of the net.

Colombia got one back in the 80th when striker James Rodriguez scored his tournament-leading sixth goal from the penalty spot.

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